The festive atmosphere of Inter's Scudetto parade took a controversial turn when star striker Marcus Thuram unveiled two provocative banners targeting city rivals AC Milan. As the open-top bus wound through the streets of Milan, Thuram displayed a banner featuring a rat against a red-and-black background—a clear allusion to the Rossoneri—and another bearing a vulgar phrase: “I derby vinti mettili nel…” (roughly, “Put the derby wins up your…”). The gesture, intended as a retort to previous provocations, has now drawn the scrutiny of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
On Monday, FIGC’s federal prosecutor formally opened an investigation into the incident, examining whether Thuram’s actions violated the sports justice code’s provisions on offensive conduct. The banners were prominently shown during the celebration, amplified by social media and broadcast coverage, ensuring they reached a global audience. The investigation will assess the material for any breach of Article 4, which governs the principles of loyalty, correctness, and probity in sporting behaviour.
The context behind Thuram’s display lies in the deep-seated animosity of the Derby della Madonnina. Inter supporters have not forgotten the 2022 Scudetto celebrations of Milan, when several Rossoneri players—including Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Sandro Tonali, and Rade Krunic—were filmed brandishing banners and joining in chants that mocked Inter. Those incidents prompted FIGC to sanction each player with a fine, and the club was additionally hit with a €12,000 penalty for objective responsibility.
The precedent of punishing such provocations extends even further back. In 2007, after Milan’s Champions League triumph, midfielder Massimo Ambrosini infamously waved a banner reading “lo scudetto mettitelo nel…” (put the Scudetto up your…), sparking fury among Inter fans. Then-Inter president Massimo Moratti accepted Milan’s apology but predicted, “The players will remember this…” His words proved prophetic, as the rivalry has continued to simmer, occasionally boiling over in displays like Thuram’s.
What does the FIGC probe mean for Inter and its forward? While no charges have been filed yet, the investigation signals the federation’s intention to clamp down on unsportsmanlike conduct, even in moments of triumph. If found in violation, Thuram could face a personal fine comparable to those imposed on the Milan players in 2022. Inter might also face a fine under objective responsibility rules, which hold clubs accountable for the actions of their members during official events.
The line between passionate celebration and offensive provocation is a perennial debate in Italian football. Banners and tifo displays have long been a part of the culture, but FIGC has increasingly sought to punish those that cross into derogatory territory. The rat imagery, in particular, carries a charged history in the Milan-Inter rivalry, often used as a slur. By combining it with a vulgar phrase, Thuram’s display arguably went beyond playful mocking.
For Inter, the incident risks overshadowing the glory of their season, in which they convincingly won the title. Coach and club officials may need to address the situation, especially if it leads to sanctions that distract from sporting matters. The timing is delicate: summer transfer rumors and contractual discussions could be impacted if Thuram’s reputation takes a hit, though it’s unlikely to cause major fallout given the entrenched nature of derby tensions.
Looking back, the 2007 and 2022 episodes serve as a reminder that such acts often come back around. Moratti’s quote resonates today, as Inter’s players have clearly internalized the memory of past slights. Yet while fan bases might revel in the exchange, the authorities view it as a breach of decorum that needs to be curbed to prevent escalation.
The investigation is in its early stages. FIGC will gather evidence, including video footage and statements, before deciding on any referral to the sports tribunal. The outcome could set a benchmark for how future celebrations are policed. With social media magnifying every gesture, players are under greater scrutiny than ever before.
In the end, this episode underscores football’s delicate balance between rivalry and respect. While few expect the derby to lose its edge, the FIGC’s move signals that there are still boundaries not to be crossed. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.